Yep, this is the DHOF game. Darko is starting and his ardent supporters in the Pistons community have literally cancelled all of their engagements to bask in the glow of Darko-mania as the Original Serbian Gangsta makes his return to the Palace.

Expect this thread to get really long as everyone argues the merits and demerits of Darko, as if Rasheed Wallace, Chris Webber, Dwight Howard, Hedo TurkeyGlue and Rip do not even exist. Because our second favorite topic is talking about Darko, and we do it well.

Students of the game will probably skip all of the Hall of Fame hype to observe and document the incredible dribbling styles of Carlos Arroyo. At an average of 3 dribbles per second, he's second to none in this league when it comes to pounding the air out of the ball.

Big game, small players, Orlando loss. Book it. And if you're not sure, or have conflicted Pistons loyalties, bowing before a giant cheddar cheese statue of Darko on your back porch, check this out.

The towel Darko wiped his face with sold on E-Bay for $15,000 to an unnamed Piston fan.

In Detroit, Darko was attacked by Dan Gadzuric, who thought he was John Amaeche

I know that I am going to the game. Will have my wife record it while I am gone so that I can see if it ends the same way on TV as it does in the arena.

One of those games that I want to see one of the teams win but I won't be t-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-0 disappointed if the other one does. It's not like the Pistons and the Heat or the Pistons and the Bulls.

I am actually going to Detroit on Wednesday from New York and have almost front row tickets for the game. This is going to be my first ever basketball game live. I hope it turns out to be good and the Pistons win and I can get Billups autograph.

Both teams will be playing their second game in 2 nights with the magic playing away at the palace. I've never really understood the passion that darko supporters have. He was the 2nd draft pick a few years back and was never really given a chance here.... got traded to a team where his minutes have increased and his game improved. Good for him i say. We have an exciting team in the Pistons and have a great chance to get to the finals again. I say Darko shmarko... Pistons in a blowout and Wallace, DD, Webber, Tazr, AJ, Bhrama and Dice all take turns in abusing the serbian gangster.

Magic PF Darko Milicic doesn't know what sort of reception he'll receive when he returns tonight to Auburn Hills, Mich., to play against his former team, the Detroit Pistons. He's ready for just about anything.

"We'll see. It could be half and half. Could be all boos," Milicic said. "Could be haters or lovers."

Just to go out on a limb, I am going to the game and expect to see the Pistons win with DMC getting about 14 points and 8 boards, 2 blocks and a couple of assists. Don't know about a steal but I think he will hold his own against Sheed and CWeb. I just don't see the Magic guards playing well against CB and Rip. JJ would have to have a career night and he probably won't even play.

Without Ariza, I don't think Orlando will win it as Grant is not very conducive to good ball movement. Pat Garrity even played tonight as Tony is still out, as well. With Ariza and Battie available I think they could have given the Pistons a game but not without them.

The only chance the Magic have is for the front line to outplay the Pistons front line and the guards come close to having a good night, which is not going to happen.

Oh well. It is a good thing I root for both teams or it would be a long two hour drive back north tomorrow night.

No league pass, but I did watch Darko play the Knicks last night. Offensively, Darko used David Lee. But David Lee destroyed Darko on the boards, and was able to get Darko into foul trouble.

Weird mismatch, small PFs can't cover Darko, but they also get Darko into foul trouble because they're quicker.

Passing on David Lee for JMax ain't looking so good.

Pre game predictions, Detroit win, guaransheed. Orlando is terrible on the road, poorly coached, and they have a terrible back court. CB will get off, along with Rip and Tay. Darko and HoJo have their way with Sheed and CWebb, but the Dribbler and Jameer take 20 shots apiece, instead of getting the rock down low to the bigs.